2009/01/01 by Robin A. Weiss · 1 citation
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Zoonotic diseases and public health #Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research #Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment
paper · pdf · doi:10.1186/jbiol114
openalex publication_date 2009/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Although most epidemic human infectious diseases are caused by recently introduced pathogens, cospeciation of parasite and host is commonplace for endemic infections. Occasional host infidelity, however, provides the endemic parasite with an opportunity to survive the potential extinction of its host. Such infidelity may account for the survival of certain types of human lice, and it is currently exemplified by viruses such as HIV.